The Fairy Pools are one of the most visited sites on the Isle of Skye of Scotland. Why? It’s an easy walk along a series of small waterfalls with the Cuillin Mountains as a backdrop.
We were here under less than ideal conditions. Once again, we awoke to cloudy, rainy skies. It drizzled off and on during the drive from Portree to the Fairy Pools. For twenty minutes we sat in our car in the parking lot, waiting out the rain, wondering if we would ever get lucky enough to see the sun while on the Isle of Skye.
From the parking area, it is a leisurely walk along the River Brittle. What so many people come to see is the series of small waterfalls, each flowing into its own pool. On sunny days, this is a beautiful spot. The water is aquamarine and the views along the valley are magnificent. If you are here on a rainy day, like we were, the Fairy Pools are rather dreary looking.
Dodging mud puddles, the four of us did a little exploring. While Kara and I continued farther up the Fairy Pools, Tyler and Tim flew the drone.
The Fairy Pools in Photos
See the Fairy Pools from Land
Even Better, See Them from the Sky
Are the Fairy Pools Worth It?
If you only have one day on the Isle of Skye, I would skip the Fairy Pools and visit the sites on the Trotternish Loop instead. If you have two days or more, then a visit here is worth it.
For us, the Fairy Pools were one of the least spectacular sites on the Isle of Skye. But we also had bad weather. On a sunny day, this place is gorgeous.
Tips for Visiting the Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools are located in Glenbrittle. To get here, it is a 30 minute drive from Portree. Follow signs to Carbost and the Talisker Distillery. Just before reaching Carbost, make a left turn onto a single track road, following signs to the Fairy Pools. There is a large car park at the foot of the trail head. In 2018, this parking lot was expanded to hold over 130 cars. There is also a bathroom near the parking lot. There is a £5 parking fee.
Allow one to two hours for your visit. It’s an easy walk that anyone can do, even young children. There is one section of stepping stones to cross a stream. This is the only tricky part of the walk.
The Fairy Pools are free to visit and open 24 hours.
Bring your swimsuit if you like. You can go swimming in the pools.
Midges, tiny, mosquito-like insects, can be a problem here (during the summer months). Stay still for too long and they will swarm around your face. Bring insect repellent or be prepared to keep brushing them away.
Talisker Distillery. The Talisker Distillery is the only whisky distillery on the Isle of Skye. It is located in Carbost. They run daily tours and have a shop to buy their whisky. You will practically drive right past it going to and from the Fairy Pools, so stop here if you are interested.
Hungry? Visit The Old Inn in Carbost before or after your visit here. This is a cozy place serving excellent food and drinks.
We visited the Fairy Pools in July 2016 on a road trip through Scotland.
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